This week started with a visit from the Navy; our GCSE Food Tech groups got to experience a group cookery challenge, having to produce a main and a dessert in a limited time frame. The challenge tested the pupils’ skills under pressure and their ability to work as a team, and it resulted in some very tasty brownies. Not only was this a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to develop skills they will be utilising very soon on their Food Tach practical exams, it also allowed them to hear from two experienced chefs who chose to follow their careers in the Royal Navy. Teamwork, exam preparation, and careers advice – and that was only Monday!
For many pupils this week was spent completing their entries for the Southwell Ploughing Match; Mrs Wright and I will soon be off to display the pupils’ work ready for judging tomorrow. If you are visiting the show, do step inside the marquee and marvel at the entries, and pop along to our stand to say hello.
Today we have celebrated Day of European languages, there has been a bake sale to raise money and a special lunch allowing pupils to sample a different culture. I’ve been amazed with the cakes provided by the pupils, not just their baking and decorating skills, but their desire to support the school and be part of a thriving community. Additionally, it was important to hear from Miss Nissan and Mrs Brimblecombe about the benefits of learning a second language; with AI developments it can be so easy to dismiss this as unnecessary these days, but to do so is to miss out on developing skills that can support other studies, not to mention a whole host of fulfilling careers.
Finally, it’s almost here, our Prize Giving evening takes place on Thursday 2nd October. Please arrive at the Albert Hall at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, with a drinks reception on arrival; pupils should be in School uniform. A reminder that on this evening, there are no extracurricular activities and after school club finishes at 4:30pm, in order that staff can travel to and help preparations at the venue.
I am very much looking forward to hosting you all at my first Prize-giving and celebrating the last year together. I am also very pleased to announce that our guest speaker will be Dr Rebekah Ackroyd; Dr Ackroyd is very excited to be joining our celebration, not least because she is an ‘Old Hol’, having attended Hollygirt in the early 2000s.
Ever Onward and Upward
Ms Purdy